B.C. Liquor Policy Review Report by John Yap

B.C.
Liquor Policy Review

Final Report
British Columbia Ministry of Justice
B.C. Liquor Policy Review Final Report
Table of Contents
Message From John Yap 1
Introduction 3
Context 5
Health, Safety and Social Responsibility 7
Roadside Prohibition Program 8
Public education 8
Licensee and sta education 9
Enforcement and compliance 10
Vignette: Vancouver Police Department Ride Along 12
Pricing 13
BC Liquor Stores Sales by Region (2012/13) 14
Retail and Convenience 14
Increased convenience for consumers 15
Economic Growth, Jobs, Tourism and Marketing 20
Vignette: Shelter Point Distillery 21
Promote B.C. products 22
Manufacturer sales and sampling 23
O-site sales and sampling 25
Licensing and Cutting Red Tape 27
Liquor-primary licences 27
Food-primary licences 29
Licence applications and the role of local governments and First Nations 31
Vignette: Lido Theatre 32
Special Occasion Licences 33
Clubs 35
Arenas, stadiums and event-driven facilities 36
Liquor Distribution Branch operations 37
Flexibility and red tape reduction 37
Vignette: The Heid Out Brewhouse and Restaurant,
and Fisher Peak Brewing Company 38
Change Management 40
The Last Word 41
Recommendation Summary 43
Appendix A: List of stakeholder meetings 51
Appendix B: Terms of Reference 53
1
Message From John Yap
To: The Honourable Suzanne Anton
Attorney General and Minister of Justice
Dear Minister Anton,
I am honoured to submit the report of the Liquor Policy Review to you for consideration
by government. This report summarizes the tremendous public response to the Review, and
the thoughtful and considered views in 188 stakeholder submissions.
Throughout September and October 2013, I held 65 stakeholder meetings and the review
team assessed a total of 4,364 website comments, 3,587 emails, and 41,195 ratings. During
the course of the entire review period, over 87 days, there were more than 76,000 visits to
the Liquor Policy Review website: engage.gov.bc.ca/liquorpolicyreview. I must say that although I
anticipated strong public interest in this review, I was surprised, very impressed and extremely
encouraged by the level of engagement in and quality of submissions to the process. It is
clear to me that many British Columbians and stakeholders in all areas of the province were
interested and engaged in providing direct input and thoughtful advice.
@jamesinpent: @John_Yap this is a great use for social media,
very progressive, Im impressed. #bcliquor
The dominant theme that emerged in both the review and this report is developing a
balanced approach to protecting public health and safety, providing more convenience for
consumers, and streamlining regulations for the industry.
There was a wide range in the viewpoints, issues and opportunities expressed. Discussion
covered every conceivable aspect of liquor distribution and sale, use and abuse, convenient
access and public safety, regulatory burden and economic opportunity. The issues are diverse
and complex, and the clear articulation of all points of view gave me a comprehensive
insight into what works and doesnt in the evolution and application of B.C.s liquor policies,
regulations and legislation.
The participation of so many interested British Columbians provided clear direction for
this review. In fact, on Oct. 29, 2013, I announced that in response to the overwhelming
interest and support for making liquor available in grocery stores, I would look further at
this policy option and would include recommendations in this report. That decision was in
response to the clear wishes expressed by British Columbians; by the end of the consultation,
almost 75 per cent of all comments, emails and tweets on the topic of liquor in grocery stores
were generally in favour of more convenient access.
This report is a direct reection of what British Columbians told us they want to see in the
evolution of liquor policies, and strives to balance public health and safety, convenience for
consumers and lessening the regulatory burden for manufacturers and licensees.
2
This report, which I present today for your consideration, meets the Terms of Reference for this
review: that recommendations consider all aspects of liquor policy including licensing, control
and distribution. The recommendations also call for:
Creating a licensing system that responds to emerging marketplace
realities and reects current lifestyles and societal values.
Providing exibility for businesses and removing operational barriers,
to help grow the economy while protecting public safety.
Recognizing the importance of jobs and investment in the hospitality, tourism and
agri-foods sectors, in support of the BC Jobs Plan and continued economic growth.
Ensuring a sustainable liquor manufacturing sector.
Providing for an ecient and eective liquor distribution system.
As laid out in the Terms of Reference, recommendations adhere to the following guiding
principles:
That government revenue is maintained or increased.
Minimize health and social harms caused by liquor.
Balance economic and social interests by ensuring public safety and the
public interest of British Columbians and their communities is protected.
Be evidence-based and transparent.
Respect obligations under collective agreements and
international and interprovincial trade agreements.
I appreciate the opportunity to lead a process that has engaged so many British Columbians. I
believe that, as a whole, these recommendations are a balanced and responsible approach to
liquor policy in British Columbia. I want to thank the dedicated public servants who worked
on this review with me.
Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this review.
Respectfully submitted,
John Yap
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
and Minister of Justice for Liquor Policy Reform
3
Introduction
The rst liquor control legislation in British Columbia was created in 1853, when Governor
James Douglas persuaded the Colonial government to license wholesale and retail outlets
on Vancouver Island. After Confederation, constitutional authority was divided between the
federal and provincial governments. Provinces have regulated trade in alcohol ever since.
While there have been many updates and amendments to the legislation over the past
century, the B.C. Liquor Policy Review is the rst comprehensive overview that has so heavily
drawn from public input, consulted extensively with stakeholders and covers liquor regulation,
production, access and distribution, as well as health, safety and social responsibility. This
Review has looked at a regulatory regime that has become outdated, overly complex and
excessive, in a time when the public has a far more diverse set of tastes and is acutely aware of
the damage and dangers caused by overconsumption of alcohol.
Public comment and presentations to the Review have made a strong case for the need to
balance convenience and public safety. Public health advocates reinforced the message for
responsible use of alcohol, while constructively acknowledging that outdated regulations
have become consumer irritants, instead of effective deterrents.
British Columbia has a strong record of public health and safety. In 2013, the Centre for
Addiction and Mental Health (in association with the Centre for Addictions Research
of B.C.) ranked British Columbias alcohol policy second overall in Canada, in terms of health
and safety. This government has committed to maintain and improve that ranking. We have
an obligation to do so. Health advocates have called for government to act on minimum
pricing changes, and this report has recommendations to address this shortcoming. They
have sought support for increased awareness and public education on safe alcohol
consumption, and I have made recommendations to this end.
This government continues to voice its strong support for policing programs that make a
noticeable dierence to communities across British Columbia. These include established
programs like CounterAttack and emerging practices such as Bar Watch.
In 1923, the B.C. government licensed the provinces first winery. It was located on the Saanich
Peninsula and made loganberry wine. Since then, British Columbia has become a recognized
producer of high-end, regional, craft and artisanal alcoholic beverages. The Okanagan region
is renowned for its wine. It has been joined by vineyards on Vancouver Island and the Gulf
Islands, in the Fraser and Similkameen valleys, and new wineries in the Shuswap, North
Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola and West Kootenays. Craft beer is a rapidly emerging growth
sector across the province. At the same time, British Columbians have developed more
sophisticated tastes, an appreciation for specialty liquors and pride in the home-grown small
businesses that produce them. All of this actively contributes to the economic development
of our province, including new job creation in the sector, and I believe the recommendations
will support the steady growth of the industry.
4
Balanced with that is the widely acknowledged understanding that alcohol is a unique
product, and there is signicant responsibility attached to its use. The Liquor Policy Review
has been a welcomed opportunity to revisit our assumptions about health and safety
practices around alcohol, and I received many thoughtful and thought-provoking submissions.
For example, police representatives brought forward constructive suggestions for public
events where alcohol is served (e.g., limiting beer gardens to larger-scale events). There were
legitimate questions about why parents could have a beer at a hockey game when they are
with their child, but not bring them into the neighbourhood pub for Sunday brunch. The
Royal Canadian Legion and other community groups presented ideas that will allow their
membership to be more engaged in their communities, and both the public and producers
are interested in featuring local liquor tasting and sales at farmers markets. I am pleased to
oer recommendations in each of these areas.
Through all of this, support for the continued role of government as the sole regulator and a
key player in distributing and selling alcohol, was strong. There was also support for leveling
the playing eld, ensuring that regulations apply equally to private liquor retailers and the B.C.
governments Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB).
The Liquor Policy Review 2013 is about making substantive reforms that are comprehensive,
balanced and responsive to what I heard. British Columbians are full of good and interesting
ideas; some I was able to address, some I could not, and some were beyond the scope
of this review. While I was not able to act on every suggestion or proposal put forward, I
want to personally note that I am very appreciative of and heartened by the interest British
Columbians have shown in this review. Your contributions have been a strong voice in
shaping all of these recommendations.
September 10, 2013
meeting with the
Wine Islands Vintners
Association
5
Context
In direct costs, B.C.s liquor industry is worth $930 million each year $1.1 billion when you
incorporate the taxes that liquor sales bring in. Expand this to include indirect revenue, and
the value to the economy and government rises to an estimated $2 billion.
When you consider the number of people employed in areas associated with liquor sales,
retail, restaurants, hotels, etc. the majority fall in the tourism sector, in which more than
126,000 people work. Clearly, B.C.s liquor industry is one of the leading contributors to tourism.
In fact, more than 800,000 visitors annually spend money related to the wine industry. That is
more people than came to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Its not a surprise, then, that the Liquor Policy Review generated more participation than any
other engagement ever run by government. We invited British Columbians to participate in
the way that suited their needs, and from where they lived, and with minimal cost to them or
to government.
@jordana_26: #bcliquor def needs some tweaking the rules
& regulations are so outdated
Having the chance to meet and hear from so many British Columbians was a real privilege. I
learned that the more you look at the issues around liquor, the more you appreciate that each
group has a dierent story but ultimately, the major issues are all the same.
While I have made 73 recommendations that fall within the context of my Terms of Reference,
in receiving the feedback from the public and from my meetings with stakeholders, I couldnt
help but hear other recommendations that relate to the dierent policies and practices that
exist on how the private and public liquor retail systems work.
As examples, generally BC Liquor Stores do not open on Sundays and the private stores
cant sell wholesale products. Another example would be the discount rate granted to
private licensees. Specically, they are able to buy alcohol at a discounted rate from the LDB
or BC Liquor Stores. However, there isnt consistency across retailers on the discount given. For
example, rural agency stores receive a 12 per cent discount, licensee retail stores receive a 16
per cent discount, and independent wine stores receive a 30 per cent discount.
In addition, you will not nd a recommendation either for or against the expansion of walk-in
refrigeration units in BC Liquor Stores. With regard to the refrigeration pilot, three locations
(Salmon Arm, Duncan and Byrne Road in Burnaby) opened in September and will remain in
place permanently. I understand the LDB has agreed that the other four proposed locations
will be put on hold pending further evaluation of this initiative.
The reason I have decided not to weigh in on these kinds of issues in my report is either
because they fall outside of the scope of my Terms of Reference or because these kinds of
discussions would immediately lead to implications for government revenue and potential
implications, particularly around the grocery model(s) that still need to be developed. That
Total since launch: September th October st
B.C. Liquor Policy Review
days
web visits
average visit duration
ratings
mentions on Twitter
blog comments
private emails and letters
stakeholder presentations
stakeholder submissions
of website visitors
contributed in some way
87
76,255
64%
8min:6sec
41,195
4,892
4,364
3,587
75
188
} Engagement Total } Engagement Total } Engagement Total
6
said, they are all issues that should be considered going forward once the grocery model
is settled and future options for the LDB are established with regard to a Crown agency
or corporation. I will leave these considerations in the capable hands of the Justice Minister.
What I can tell you is that I do believe the retail environment needs to be made more
convenient for consumers and more exible and consistent for retailers. Thats why I have
addressed a number of recommendations to this end.
Overall, from the feedback received during the Review, it is clear that people agree that
convenience is currently lacking, that health and public safety issues must be balanced, and
that ultimately they are ready for a change to liquor policy. We know we wont get unanimity
on all of the recommendations, but I believe, from watching the public debate these issues in
their posts, emails, tweets and even a few old-fashioned, handwritten letters and face-to-
face meetings that we have a good sense of what British Columbians want, and we will get
a moderate consensus on these recommendations. And thats pretty good.
7
Health, Safety and
Social Responsibility
Alcohol is a unique product. While it is a source of pleasure and enjoyment for the vast
majority of people and can be part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle, we know from much
experience that when it is misused, there are serious consequences. Alcohol abuse accounts
for approximately 10 per cent of the burden of disease globally. In British Columbia, there were
21,542 hospitalizations and 1,191 deaths due to alcohol in 2011. It is a contributor to the rate of
cardiovascular disease and cancer. Health authorities report that more than 30 per cent of all
clients they see for substance-use services report hazardous levels of alcohol consumption
and/or alcohol dependence.
Having a realistic understanding of the inherent risk of alcohol abuse in British Columbia
today is a key directive for this review: to create a licensing system that responds to emerging
marketplace realities and reects current lifestyles and societal values, while minimizing health
and social harms caused by liquor. I believe this report strikes this balance.
After talking to many people, reading their submissions and reviewing their social media
commentary, I have concluded that if there is one absolute on this subject, it is that the vast
majority of British Columbians believe that access to alcohol can and should continue to
be controlled.
I also learned from this review that there is much more educational information available
on the harmful eects of alcohol, and we need to share it with British Columbians. This
information covers the short-term risks of overdrinking and binge drinking, as well as the real,
long-term risks that people face if they chronically abuse alcohol.
This report makes specic recommendations to address the concerns raised in presentations.
These include:
Increased public education.
Requiring training of everyone selling and serving alcohol.
More closely linking the price of liquor to alcohol content.
Stricter enforcement of existing legislation and regulations.
This report also makes numerous recommendations to increase convenience for the majority
of British Columbians who enjoy moderate drinking. These include selling alcohol in a grocery
store setting; providing more opportunities for British Columbians to buy and sample B.C.
wines, beers and spirits; and, where appropriate, allowing businesses to oer their clients
an alcoholic drink. For each of these recommendations, this report identies existing or
recommends new programs and initiatives to protect health and ensure social responsibility.
I believe that, taken together, the recommendations in this report nd the balance between
convenience for consumers, streamlining regulations for the industry, and placing a high value
on health and safety for the general public.
8
Public education
Research supports the eectiveness of developing specially designed
messages and information and connecting specic audiences (e.g. youth,
pregnant women, students and binge drinkers) with programs designed
specically for them. British Columbia already has excellent programs
in place, such as the Healthy Minds/Healthy Campuses program for
post-secondary students.
The following recommendations build on this foundation and identify
specific goals.
Recommendations:
1. Government should expand public education about health
and safety risks related to alcohol use, with particular
emphasis on the harmful eects of binge drinking by youth
and post-secondary students.
2. Government should identify all of its alcohol-related
education initiatives to ensure they are focused and are as
eective as possible.
3. Easily understood information about Canadas Low
Risk Drinking Guidelines should be made available to
consumers in licensed establishments.
4. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB)
should have the regulatory authority to require social
responsibility public education material to be posted in all
licensed establishments and liquor stores. These materials
should be developed in consultation with industry.
5. Government, public health ocials and industry should
collaborate to develop eective and meaningful social
responsibility educational campaigns for display in
licensed establishments, liquor stores and advertising and
public service campaigns.
6. While labelling liquor bottles and packages is the
responsibility of the federal government, B.C. should work
with the other provinces and territories to encourage
warning labels on liquor products.
Roadside
Prohibition Program
luol|c ol|cy Jec|s|ons con hove o
Jtomot|c, os|t|ve onJ |mmeJ|ote
eect on the heolth onJ solety
ol 8t|t|sh Columo|ons. One ol
the most Jen|t|ve exomles |s
8t|t|sh Columo|os lmmeJ|ote
kooJs|Je ltoh|o|t|on (lkl} totom
lot |mo|teJ Jt|vets. 7h|s low the
touhest |n ConoJo when |t wos tst
|nttoJuceJ hos oeen vety successlul
|n sov|n l|ves.
ln the thtee yeots the le|slot|on hos
oeen |n lotce, the Jeoth toll ltom
Jt|nl|n onJ Jt|v|n hos oeen cut oy
mote thon ,o et cent. 7h|s hos soveJ
on est|moteJ :;{ l|ves.
ln zo:z, mote thon z,,oo Jt|vets |n
AoootslotJ, lelowno, lt|nce Ceote,
5oon|ch onJ voncouvet wete ott ol
on |nJeenJent kooJs|Je Alcohol
onJ 0tu 5utvey. lt lounJ thot
owoteness ol the le|slot|on moy hove
oeen o s|n|cont contt|out|n loctot
to soc|etys chone |n oehov|ot:
79 et cent ol tesonJents wete
owote ol the lkl low, w|th the
h|hest owoteness 89 et cent
|n lelowno.
0t|vets oeJ 25 to 54 wete
most l|lely to hove choneJ
the|t oehov|ot os o tesult ol
the le|slot|on.
0t|vets unJet 25 wete most l|lely
to soy they nevet Jt|nl onJ Jt|ve.
9
I believe that the best way to minimize harm caused by alcohol is
through education. Education concerning cigarettes and health has been very
efective in decreasing the number of smokers. Warning labels on products
and education starting at an early age in school has contributed to many
people voluntarily abstaining fom cigarette use. Education about the dangers
of alcohol should be incorporated into the school health curriculum early and
ofen starting in elementary school, and enforced throughout our education
until Grade 12.
I think that warnings on liquor bottles about the dangers of alcohol
overconsumption and of drinking alcohol during pregnancy would be an
efective way to make people think twice about what they are drinking. If
people want to drink alcohol, they will fnd a way to drink it. We need to
focus on educating so that people choose to drink moderately, and feel good
about their right to enjoy a drink fom time to time.
Emerald, Oct. 15
Licensee and sta education
There is evidence of improved knowledge and attitudes among people who have taken
responsible beverage service training, such as B.C.s Serving it Right (SIR) program. Training
can decrease bad serving practices and increase soft interventions, such as stopping
service to people who are overdrinking. It has been particularly eective when coupled with
management training and appropriate house policies. The following recommendations would
help ensure that every person serving or providing alcohol in British Columbia has taken
this program.
Recommendations:
7. Serving it Right (SIR), the provincial governments responsible beverage
service program, should be expanded and enhanced:
o. 5oles onJ setv|ce sto |n testoutonts, w|ne stotes, tutol oency stotes onJ 8C
l|quot 5totes who ote not olteoJy tequ|teJ to hove 5lk cett|cot|on shoulJ now
oe tequ|teJ to ooto|n |t. l|censees, monoets, onJ soles onJ setv|n sto shoulJ
olso oe tequ|teJ to tecett|ly.
o. A locuseJ, oot|JeJ onJ less exens|ve vets|on ol 5lk shoulJ oe JeveloeJ lot
eole who tece|ve 5ec|ol Occos|on l|cences (5Ols} ot who setve ot these events.
7h|s w|ll hel ensute they unJetstonJ the|t tesons|o|l|t|es otounJ tesons|ole
honJl|n ol l|quot.
10
c. 5lk content shoulJ oe uJoteJ to |ncluJe |nlotmot|on ooout:
|. ConoJos low-t|sl Jt|nl|n u|Jel|nes.
||. the soc|ol onJ heolth costs ol olcohol.
|||. why olcohol |s teuloteJ.
J. 5lk shoulJ cont|nue to osl tecent toJuotes to evoluote the totom, w|th the
o|m ol Jevelo|n onJ |nttoJuc|n |mtovements.
8. The fee structure of SIR should be reviewed by the provider and government
to ensure the cost to retailers and establishments is not onerous. Additionally,
consideration should be given to the application of fee revenue to SIR
program enhancements.
9. LCLB should develop an in-person educational program for licensees, like
that in Ontario, to educate licensees and their sta about the Provinces
liquor laws and how to operate their establishments in a responsible manner.
The goal would be to increase licensee compliance and develop an increasing
awareness of the health and safety harms from alcohol abuse. Government
should consider using monetary penalties imposed on licensees to fund
this initiative.
Enforcement and compliance
Enforcement of and ensuring compliance with liquor laws and regulations is complex.
Government expects licensees will comply with the laws, but there must be inspections
and penalties sucient to act as a deterrent. Finding the right balance is challenging. The
current penalty system was implemented more than a decade ago, and there have been
few changes since. As a result, I am recommending a thorough review of the penalties and
changes to the enforcement hearing process.
The LCLB already has its Minors as Agents program to encourage compliance; since it was
brought into place in 2011, it has had a significant impact. Through this program, young
people, usually 17 or 18 years old, are hired to test private and government liquor store
and licensee compliance with the law against selling liquor to minors. In the last two years,
compliance rates have risen from 29 per cent (before the program began) to 71 per cent.
While this program can continue to help improve and monitor compliance among liquor
retailers, there is also the consideration that the public must participate and follow the law. For
underage youth who are caught buying liquor with fake identication or through a third party,
penalties must be sti enough and consistently enforced. Currently, the ne sits at $230.
11
Tis is not a one-sided situation. Te fact is that some underage youth
consciously violate the legislation, using illegal activities (e.g., false IDs) to
try to buy liquor and enter restricted premises. I recommend enforcing those
penalties, as well.
Education and enforcement are key. Te businesses that make their profts
selling alcohol to the public have an obligation to both their patrons and
society in general to acknowledge the addictive/destructive potential of their
wares and to sell it in a responsible way.
Likewise, individuals should be held accountable for their actions (e.g., public
drunkenness or rowdy behaviour), both to discourage these actions as well
as to bring their problems to the attention of members of society who can
help them.
Chuck, Oct. 15
Recommendations:
10. Government should encourage police to use the enforcement tools of
ticketing and nes more frequently for those people under 19 years of age
who are caught possessing liquor, using false identication or being in
restricted premises selling liquor. Liquor retailers and the public should also
be made more aware of the severity of these penalties.
11. Government should review enforcement penalties of LCLB and other
jurisdictions to ensure that B.C.s penalty levels are appropriate.
12. Due to the varying size and focus of licensed establishments, consideration
should be given to how dierent types of penalties (e.g., a suspension versus
a monetary penalty) may impact a licensee and staff.
13. LCLB should work with police agencies to explore implementing last drink
programs across B.C. on a more concerted basis. If an impaired persons last
drink was in a licensed establishment, LCLB can investigate and possibly levy
penalties for overserving clients.
14. LCLB should have the authority to regulate the home delivery of alcohol and
should consider that home delivery service providers require SIR certification.
15. Applicants and licensees seeking a review of LCLB decisions should
have access to a new and separate decision-making body outside the
licensing branch. The Ministry of Justice should review current processes
and determine how best to provide independent decision-making for those
seeking appeal.
V
i
g
n
e
t
t
e
:
12
Vancouver Police Department Ride Along
ln lote Octooet, l sent the n|ht ottoll|n
voncouvets entetto|nment J|stt|ct w|th the
voncouvet lol|ce 0eottment.
7he entetto|nment J|stt|ct hos town
Jtomot|colly ovet the ost lew yeots. ln zoo8,
thete wete only ),8oo l|quot-l|censeJ seots
|n o ve-olocl sttetch ol Ctonv|lle 5tteet,
comoteJ w|th ::,zoo toJoy.
7h|s wos not the tst t|me lve oeen exoseJ
to eole Jt|nl|n too much, out whot teolly
stt|les you |s the sheet numoet ol eole. 7he
Ctonv|lle 5tteet oteo |s un|que to 8.C. onJ
even |n ConoJo. lven |n the eotly houts ol
the motn|n, thete wete tooooly o coule ol
thousonJ eole who hoJ come ltom oll ovet
tes|Jents ltom oll the voncouvet suoutos,
tout|sts ltom octoss the wotlJ, onJ youn
eole ltom 5eottle. 7he lottet tole etowoy
weelenJs |n voncouvet oecouse the Jt|nl|n
oe |n wosh|nton |s z:.
7hese lote numoets ol eole ote
not o toolem. ln loct, we encoutoe
eole to enjoy the c|ty onJ ottole |n
the entetto|nment oottun|t|es. 8ut whot
J|J stt|le me wos thot whete we J|J see
toolems, we olso sow lots ol youn eole
who wete Jt|nl|n onJ ovet-consum|n.
wh|le most eole wete ol leol Jt|nl|n oe,
l heotJ stot|es ooout how m|nots (unJet :p}
tty to et ost checls onJ secut|ty |nto l|quot
stotes onJ cluos.
l wos |mtesseJ oecouse oy onJ lote,
th|s |s teosonooly well-conttolleJ. 7he
ooJ oetotots lnow they hove to oe on
uotJ, onJ they ote. 7heyte vety ooJ ot
sott|n lole l0s. 7hot so|J, th|s exet|ence
te|nlotceJ sevetol th|ns lot me: we neeJ to
teulote vety cotelully, l|cens|n neeJs to oe
tooust, onJ we neeJ to mole sute eole
tov|J|n olcohol setv|ce ote eJucoteJ |n
the|t tesons|o|l|ty not to ovetsetve.
wh|le th|s |s on extteme exomle, w|th
the Ctonv|lle J|stt|ct host|n the lotest
concenttot|on ol l|censeJ seots |n 8t|t|sh
Columo|o, commun|t|es octoss the tov|nce
loce s|m|lot |ssues on o J|lletent scole.
7hots why |ts |mottont thot we tomote
eJucot|on onJ cont|nu|n eJucot|on
wh|le ensut|n we st|ll enlotce the tules.
October 19, 2013
meeting with the
Vancouver Police
Department
13
Pricing
Health advocacy organizations (including The Centre for Addictions Research of BC, University
of British Columbia, The Health Ocers Council of British Columbia and B.C.s Provincial Health
Ocer) have presented evidence that minimum price policies are eective in reducing
alcohol abuse by at-risk groups. They have advised government to set minimum prices based
on alcohol content. This report recommends changing regulations to set minimum prices for
happy hours and linking the price of liquor to the percentage of alcohol.
@kpalak87: Give our tourism a boost we should strongly
consider allowing Happy Hours in BC. Bars being able to
change price for a short time. #bcliquor
Recommendations:
16. Permit licensees to oer time-limited drink specials (e.g., happy hours),
provided the price is not below a prescribed minimum consistent with those
supported by health advocates.
17. LDB should review its minimum pricing policy as it applies to all categories of
liquor so that minimum prices are set at an appropriate level.
18. LDB should consider tying minimum prices to the amount of alcohol (e.g., a
beer with seven per cent alcohol would have a higher minimum price than a
beer with four per cent alcohol).
September 16, 2013
meeting with the
Health Ocers
Council of BC
14
Retail and Convenience
British Columbians enjoy the responsible use of alcohol, buying a wide range of
wine, beer and spirits especially those produced in our own province. In the 12
months ending September 2013, British Columbians bought 32.7 million litres of B.C.
wine and 31.4 million of imported wine. B.C. craft beers are gaining popularity: 10
new breweries opened across the province since Jan. 1, 2013 and many applications
are in progress. There is also a growing interest in B.C. spirits. There are 19 distilleries
and craft distilleries (those producing with 100 per cent B.C. agricultural inputs)
currently operating in the province. This is a new industry with signicant potential
for long-term growth.
Eighty per cent of alcohol sales in B.C. are for personal use, through BC Liquor and
private retail stores. There are a total of 1,147 liquor retail outlets in the province:
Most alcohol sales (48 per cent of dollar value) are through 195
government liquor stores. They are operated by the provincial
LDB across the province and sell all types of liquor.
Private retail stores were introduced in 1985. Initially, they were restricted
and sold only beer and wine. In 2002, they began selling spirits.
There are 670 private retail stores in B.C., selling 41 per cent (dollar
value) of retail alcohol. In 2002, a long-standing moratorium on new
licences was temporarily lifted, resulting in the licensing of almost
400 new stores. The moratorium was reintroduced and the number
of stores in B.C. has remained constant. Private retail stores have
adjusted to changes as the marketplace has evolved, showcasing B.C.
liquors and consistently looking for new opportunities to expand.
British Columbia has developed a vibrant and quality
wine-manufacturing industry. Wineries sell directly to the public, to
licensees and to liquor stores. In addition, the BC Wine Institute has been
issued 21 store licences throughout the province to sell Vintners Quality
Alliance (VQA) wines produced by many of the provinces wineries. As
British Columbians have become more educated about and interested
in wine, these specialty stores have cultivated a strong niche market.
The 221 rural agency stores in B.C. provide a convenience for people
in rural and isolated resort areas who are not served by a government
or private retail liquor store, and hold only a four per cent share (dollar
value) of the retail market. Their delivery model is unique in B.C.:
bottles of beer, wine and spirits are sold alongside food, household
supplies, newspapers, magazines and other general consumer goods.
rural agency stores are important contributors to the development
of rural communities throughout the province; they meet the needs
of convenience and choice expected by many consumers today.
BC Liquor Stores
Sales by Region
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Vancouver Island and Coast
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Total
Spirits: $.m
Wine: $.m
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15
@BobBrayCR: The store within a store concept for beer and
wine sales is working very well on Quadra Island. #bcliquor
#bccp #bcpoli #leadbcc
As with all retail markets, convenience is a key decision point for consumers. The resounding
message I heard throughout the Liquor Policy Review was the rmly held public view that
alcohol sales in British Columbia do not meet the needs or expectations of most consumers.
We strongly support broad modernization of our liquor laws. Specifcally,
we support broader distribution at regular retail outlets (grocery stores,
warehouse outlets) and new, creative places (hair salons, spas, retail shopping,
farmers markets; anything that is fun and new), competition on selection
(allow merchants to source in the open market), price, and convenience. We
disagree in the strongest terms possible that the above changes will increase
irresponsible behavior; see Europe as a model that trusts its citizens to behave
while providing harm reduction services in parallel).
In summary, enough of the Nanny-State; allow creativity and enjoyment
to fourish in BC, tax revenue to be raised, and social services to beneft as
a result.
Mark, Sept. 29
Increased convenience for consumers
Allowing liquor to be sold in grocery stores drew more public interest and comment than
any other topic examined in the Liquor Policy Review. By the end of our public engagement
process, almost 75 per cent of people commenting on grocery were generally in favour of
changing the regulations to allow for access to liquor products in grocery stores.
Some B.C. residents are already very familiar with the convenience of buying liquor along
with their groceries and other household supplies. Since the 1970s, British Columbians in rural
communities have bought beer and wine at rural agency stores. They currently have a unique
status, and their customers are well-accustomed to the convenience of one-stop shopping
near their homes.
@badkaren67: @John_Yap pls keep in mind that big cities &
small towns r NOT the same. One size does not ft all #bcliquor
16
Urban British Columbians do not enjoy this same convenience, and this issue was raised
repeatedly on the Liquor Policy Review website. British Columbians are more exposed than
ever before to ideas in other jurisdictions. People are very much aware that when we compare
our liquor policies with others parts of North America and around the world, ours is much
more control-oriented, more restrictive. I repeatedly heard comparisons with shopping for
wine and beer in Washington, Oregon and California, in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, and
across Europe.
I would love to be able to purchase beer and wine at grocery stores. Especially
with the boom in local craf breweries and an increasing focus on buying
local, it would be wonderful to be able to buy my food AND drinks fom
the same store, that ofers local goods. 90% of my purchasing is beer and wine,
and I am happy to go to liquor-only stores for the other 10%.
Caitlin, Oct. 10
Each of these jurisdictions has its own history with the regulation and sale of alcohol, and
each has developed its own retail model. Some, such as France, treat alcohol particularly
wine as part of the meal. Alcohol is on the grocery shelves, with no retail restrictions. Other
jurisdictions, such as Nova Scotia, meet the customers demand for one-stop shopping with
a government liquor store beside or even inside the grocery store, with an open doorway
connecting the distinct liquor and food outlets.
My conclusion is that todays retail model has not kept pace with consumers expectations.
October 2, 2013
meeting with the
Alliance of Beverage
Licensees
17
British Columbians have communicated that they want more convenience. The response to
this expectation by consumers should be tailored to the British Columbia marketplace. Key
considerations include:
In 2012, the moratorium on expanding the number of liquor retail store
licence holders was conrmed and will remain in place until 2022. Any
recommendations for new retail models must meet this requirement
that the total number of licences does not exceed 670.
British Columbia has a thriving wine industry, a growing craft beer
industry and an emerging artisan spirit sector. British Columbians
are loyal to B.C. producers and are keen to buy local, regional and
provincial liquors that showcase exceptional B.C. products.
British Columbia has a complex retail environment for alcohol sales. Developing a
new sales model will have to respect the mixed public and private marketplace,
and the signicant investment these businesses have made in terms of both
direct nancial investment and job creation. It will also mean greater exibility
may be needed around the business model and hours for private licensees.
The production, distribution and sale of B.C. liquors is a signicant contributor
to the economy, contributing more than $1.1 billion to the Province.
One of the most important points to emerge in the Liquor Policy Review conversations is
the signicant gap between how consumers live today, the dramatic shift caused by online
purchasing, and how little the alcohol sales model in British Columbia has changed. British
Columbians do not have the same luxury of time that they used to have, and many have
radically altered the way they shop. As more alternatives become available, consumers are
increasingly frustrated with the time-consuming chore of travelling to several locations for
their purchases. Thats why government should look at consistency in operating hours for
licensed, rural agency and manufacturer retail stores.
@hed3393: Buying booze in grocery stores would be way more
convenient #bcliquor
@erinmct: Lets get liquor in BC grocery stores. Its long overdue
@John_Yap #bcliquor
@BC_Deb: @John_Yap It is quite a long drive to the
nearest govt. liquor store, for me, and I am in Victoria! Grocery
Stores are everywhere #bcliquor
@carolynjohnst16: #liquor sold in the grocery stores?!
#bcliquor good idea but #regulation needed.
18
Beyond that, maintaining the current number of retail liquor outlets while allowing sales in
grocery stores may require a new exibility for the licensed retail stores, such as allowing them
to relocate or transfer/sell their licences. Government-owned BC Liquor Stores will also be
impacted by a new grocery retail model; those stores, too, should have the ability to be part
of a new approach. Throughout my consultations, I heard from individuals and groups that
people prefer our mixed model, with both public and private retail stores.
The public engagement process left a very clear impression: British Columbians want the
convenience of buying beer and wine with their groceries. While government and industry
should meet the demands of the changing marketplace, we also need to recognize the
challenges for private and public retail stores to adapt quickly to new business models.
Consideration must be given to a phased-in approach.
Any grocery model must, at a minimum, maintain the current revenue to government from
liquor sales and respect the obligations that exist in current collective agreements. As part
of this new retail approach, B.C. products should continue to be featured and highlighted.
Supporting B.C. manufacturers and products meets consumer demands and contributes to
the provinces economic development.
Communities that have rural agency stores appear to already oer a level of convenience
for customers perhaps even beyond what British Columbians are looking for in the rest of
the province. As that is the case, I would not anticipate any new grocery model to impact
these retailers. In fact, I would suggest that those communities with rural agency stores
should be able to maintain their current model once a new grocery model is introduced in
other communities. I am not recommending alcohol be made available in convenience stores
outside of the rural agency store (RAS) model.
Finally, as noted earlier, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has ranked B.C.s alcohol
policy as the second best in Canada in terms of health and safety. This existing regime
that protects health and public safety supports B.C. maintaining its moratorium on new
retail liquor licences and acknowledges the safety benets of continuing to put thoughtful
restrictions on minors access.
According to the BC Wine Institute,
B.C. has wineries (up from in )
and more than vineyards on more than
, acres of land.
19
Recommendations:
19. The Province should develop and implement a retail model that meets
consumer demands for more convenience by permitting the sale of liquor
in grocery stores. Government should continue to restrict the total number
of retail outlets and require separation of grocery products and liquor. This
reects the views of health and safety advocates and the acknowledged
safety benets of restricting minors access to liquor.
20. Introducing liquor in grocery stores should be phased in, giving public and
private liquor stores time to adjust to the new retail model.
21. In consultation with industry, government should develop a policy that
standardizes the types of non-liquor products that can be sold in liquor
retail outlets.
22. As a grocery model is developed, government should look at consistency in
operating hours for licensed, rural agency and manufacturer retail stores.
I believe that alcohol should be sold in grocery stores, much like tobacco is (at
customer service counters, behind the till where its inaccessible for minors
to steal). Adults should be able to purchase liquor the same way we purchase
food and tobacco, it makes sense. It will not increase the amount that I drink,
but make it more accessible for me to purchase it without having to fnd the
closest liquor store that has restricted hours - which is another thing I think
should change. Sell liquor past 11. Alberta vendors can sell it until 2 am. If
people coming home fom the bar, who want to stay up longer, can purchase
liquor on the way home or to the afer party, it will reduce binge drinking and
eliminate the mentality of get it while you still can.
Claire, Oct. 9
I will also add my comment requesting grocery stores be allowed to sell beer
and wine. While I think everyone asking recognizes there are potential
problems that need to be addressed, we see that this is well managed in
other countries. Even here in B.C., tobacco sales have similar challenges. But
controls are in place to reduce the risks associated with having tobacco in
grocery stores. Im sure with all the smart people looking at this you can fnd a
way to manage the risks with alcohol as well.
Mark, Sept. 26
20
Economic Growth, Jobs,
Tourism and Marketing
Tourism is one of the leading drivers of British Columbias economic growth, diversity
and vitality. Tourism revenues are valued at more than $13.4 billion per year, and more than
126,000 people work in the industry the equivalent of almost one in every 15 jobs in B.C.
As mentioned earlier, B.C.s liquor industry is one of the leading contributors to tourism. B.C.s
liquor industry is worth $2 billion in economic impact and, according to the B.C. Wine Institute,
every bottle of wine produced here is worth $42 in economic impact.
@ryanonthecoast: #bcliquor @John_Yap Brewing, distilling &
winemaking are all entrepreneurial in nature. Nurture them, and
they will flourish.
This not only brings new money to British Columbia and creates new jobs; it also contributes
signicantly to provincial tax revenues. B.C.s wine industry alone brings in more than $298
million in federal and provincial taxes and LDB markup.
There is a caution. Tourism dollars are discretionary in nature people who come to B.C., or
British Columbians who visit other parts of the province, can easily choose to spend their
vacation budget somewhere else. This reinforces the need to understand marketplace realities
and continuing to oer compelling reasons to visit and explore British Columbia.
Fortunately, we can learn from many established examples. Several presenters to the Review
referred to successes other jurisdictions in the Pacic Northwest have had building strong,
local wine- and brewery-based tourism opportunities:
Walla Walla, Washington is widely recognized as a top
wine destination in the United States.
Portland, Oregon is developing a strong reputation for its thriving craft beer
and brew pub development. With more than 50 locations in Portland, this new
brewing industry draws signicant numbers of tourists, creating new economic
development opportunities for the city and the surrounding region.
@allisonmmarkin: Look to the town of Walla Walla, Wa
@John_Yap for their model of offsite tasting rooms. Excellent
for tourism. #bcliquor
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21
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22
One of the things that draws me to go down to places like Seattle and
Portland is the number of Brewpubs or Brewery owned bars that showcase
their local stuff. ... What I would like to see is an increase in the licences that
are available for Brewpubs. Tis is a great way to bring locals and tourists
into the areas, and every time that I have gone down south, a lot of the people
I meet at local brewpubs are people fom out of town who have heard about
the beer, or are excited to be able to have a beer in the same place it was made,
and actually see inside the brewery.
Nick, Sept. 30
Promote B.C. products
Showcasing locally and regionally produced wines, beers and spirits encourages British
Columbians to buy local, attracts visitors, and provides signicant spin-o jobs for small
businesses across the province.
The following recommendations, as well as those urging increased exibility for on- and o-
site liquor sales and sampling, will support liquor-producing, agricultural and small business
sectors across the province.
Recommendations:
23. LDB should improve its marketing of B.C. liquor products in stores,
developing new opportunities for product placement and innovative
promotional and educational materials.
24. Government should work with industry and tourism associations to develop
promotional materials such as maps, apps and brochures on B.C. wineries,
breweries and distilleries.
25. Government should work with other Canadian wine-producing jurisdictions
to jointly develop thematic wine promotions in each jurisdictions liquor
stores to promote Canadian wine.
26. Government should discuss establishing a quality assurance program for B.C.
craft beer and artisan-distilled spirits (similar to the VQA wine program).
British Columbians enjoy more than
million glasses or million bottles
of Canadian wine each year.
23
Manufacturer sales and sampling
The British Columbia wine industry is a resounding success story. Until the 1980s, it had a well-
known reputation for poor quality. With vision and foresight, high-quality grapes were planted
and there were signicant investments in people and facilities. The industry has matured
setting high standards, meeting them, and bringing worldwide recognition to B.C.s relatively
young vineyards.
Today, British Columbia is a renowned wine producer and the benet of that experience is
being passed on to the emerging brewery and distillery industries. One of the important
marketing lessons we have learned is the value of promoting on-site and o-site sales
and sampling to promote both individual liquor brands, and the region as a whole, as a
tourism destination.
The current liquor licensing process around allowing people to sample B.C. liquors is unduly
complex and rigid. This is a signicant marketing challenge for producers, many of whom
are small businesses, and is a signicant impediment to the expansion of the provinces
agritourism industry.
Currently, owners can apply for a food-primary, liquor-primary or SOL, as well as special
endorsements that allow visitors to drink alcohol on the manufacturers premises. Some
endorsements are for simple and straightforward activities, with little potential impact on
the community (a small picnic area in a vineyard
where clients can enjoy lunch with a bottle of
wine, for example). Others can create noise, trac
congestion or have other signicant eects on
neighbours (a large lounge, musical performances
or wedding receptions that run late into the night
every weekend). Each licence and combination
of endorsements has a dierent cost, application
process and set of restrictions, such as for moving
alcohol from one area to another.
While streamlining regulations around sales and
sampling at the vineyard or the brewery may be
good for business, I am also aware that any review
of those regulations must be clearly dened
and carefully introduced. Many of our wineries,
distilleries and craft breweries are located in
neighbourhoods and care must be taken that they
dont disturb the community with noise and other inconveniences.
September 30, 2013
meeting with the BC
Craft Brewers Guild
24
A situation unique to British Columbia is the role of the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC)
in the production of alcohol, particularly wine. Wineries on ALC land may only sell wine they
have produced. There are also restrictions around the size of lounges.
Many presentations, particularly from manufacturers, spoke of the signicant requirements
and criteria that need be met to obtain a manufacturers licence for beer, wine or spirits. While
high standards must be required for any approval related to alcohol production, there may
be opportunities for manufacturers and LCLB to streamline the approach. This should be
consistent with the Liquor Policy Reviews Terms of Reference (see Appendix B) that refer to a
more responsive licensing system and providing greater exibility for businesses.
In the Okanagan, there are some winery owners who are moving into
residential areas, sometimes frstly with tasting licences and then applying
for lounge endorsements. Te tasting endorsement is so much diferent
than the lounge endorsement or even special event licensing, situated in
the midst of families with children of all ages, creating the possibility of
drivers in these neighbourhoods who are no longer just tasting but drinking
substantially more alcohol, with or without food. I am writing to encourage
you to be careful to continue to keep these applications separate and give
the communities impacted by these applications an opportunity to support
wineries at the level that is appropriate for each residential area.
Mary, by email
Recommendations:
27. Manufacturers should be able to establish low-risk tasting venues such
as a picnic area as part of their existing licence without the need to apply
for a specific endorsement. Government should work with industry, local
government and First Nations to increase exibility for tasting options for
manufacturers while being sensitive to potential negative impacts, such as
noise, on the community.
28. Allow manufacturers to oer patrons liquor that was not produced on
site (e.g., a winery could sell a beer to a visitor).
29. Government should consult with the Agricultural Land Commission about
amending the Agricultural Land Commission Act regulations to allow
manufacturers operating within the Agricultural Land Reserve to allow more
people in consumption areas (e.g. lounges) and to sell liquor that was not
produced on site.
25
30. Government should consult with industry and review the minimum
requirements to obtain a brewery, winery or distillery licence. Government
should also consider how these requirements are regulated by LCLB and LDB
to ensure transparency and an eective regulatory system.
O-site sales and sampling
B.C. liquor manufacturers are developing new reputations as producers of high-quality
and world-class wines, beers and spirits at a time when British Columbians and visitors are
increasingly interested in regional, craft and artisanal products. Specialty food stores featuring
both imported and local products are gaining popularity, and farmers markets featuring
produce from nearby elds continue to be welcomed into urban neighborhoods.
These trends are driving a growing interest among manufacturers in developing convenient
tasting rooms and retail outlets closer to population centres. Allowing manufacturers to open
permanent storefronts in town or set up temporary booths at a local farmers market gives
residents and visitors an opportunity to sample local liquors and support local producers.
Both citizen groups and manufacturers have urged the provincial government to allow
this exibility, promoting local tourism, new economic development opportunities and
convenience for consumers.
I would like to see every local winery have the right to have a storefont in the
central business district. Tis would revitalize downtowns, keep retail trafc
in the business area where infastructure exists to accommodate parking and
provide a vibrant wine district to promote sales. Having patrons drive all
over rural areas to visit each winery for tastings seems kind of unsafe.
Ian, by email
If recommended o-site sampling changes are implemented, servers will be required to
have Serving it Right. As well, sampling at farmers markets and other o-site locations will be
subject to limits on the amount that can be served.
I think allowing the sale of craf beer, wine and distilled products at farmers
markets and festivals is a great idea. It allows the small-scale producers an
opportunity to directly consult with their customers determining what
works, what doesnt, and what can be improved. Tat kind of market
intelligence is what makes the diference in staying in business or for
expanding a business. As a customer, it would be a great way to support local
craf producers, just like supporting local farmers cheese makers and bakers.
Tracey, Oct. 29
26
The following recommendations strike the balance between allowing liquor producers to
promote sales and product sampling on site; permitting customers to explore and enjoy
wines, beers and spirits where they were produced; and the health, safety and social
responsibility issues inherent in potentially broadening access to alcohol.
@CanneryBrewing: We would love to see #beer available
for sale at #FarmersMarkets #BCliquor @John_Yap
@govTogetherBC #growlerstogo
Recommendations:
31. Government should permit B.C. liquor manufacturers to oer products for
sample and sale at temporary o-site retail locations (e.g., farmers markets),
with appropriate conditions. The decision about whether to allow vintners,
brewers and distillers to showcase their products at a particular location will
be left to the location management (e.g., farmers market association).
32. Allow patrons to buy bottles of liquor to take home that are showcased
at festivals or competitions. Consider amending SOLs issued to festivals
and competitions, or allow BC Liquor or private retail stores to operate a
temporary store on site as the means to provide for these sales.
33. Allow manufacturers to have o-site locations where they can sample
and sell their products to the public (e.g., permanent tasting rooms in a
downtown store).
I recently made a trip to Portland this summer. I had the pleasure of making
it to their Saturday market which is also open on Sunday and refects a
more artisan style market with food trucks and craf beer available. Its a
great attraction with music and a small water park nearby for children.
I think a great pairing for the famers market would be a craf beer/wine area
with small glasses and a more tasting atmosphere for the foodies that fequent
the markets like myself.
Of course it comes with all of the regulations and designated area and a few on
lookers to see the festivities are contained. Even if its limited to the summers, I
feel this could really be a great way to bump up our craf beer industry as well
as local economy boost for those businesses.
Victoria, Oct. 3
27
Licensing and Cutting Red Tape
The rst beer parlour licences in British Columbia were issued in 1925. They were only given to
hotels, and only one brand of beer could be sold at a time. These beer parlors could not oer
food or non-alcoholic drinks. Entertainment, singing and games were not allowed. Patrons
had to sit down to drink.
Over the past 88 years, both the alcohol industry and expectations of British Columbian
consumers have changed significantly. The industry has matured and customers are
demanding more convenience. New liquor licences have been created, and existing ones
altered and adjusted many times. Individual amendments were developed for good reasons
at dierent times, but today, there are gaps and conicts in the regulations.
Over the decades, the licence process has become complicated, onerous, and often, no
longer meets the needs of consumers, retailers, producers and local governments.
I am recommending substantial changes to B.C.s food-primary, liquor-primary and SOLs,
with the goal of removing outdated and counter-productive restrictions. This will allow both
businesses and the LCLB to meet the needs of their customers, while striking the balance with
public health, safety and social responsibility.
Liquor-primary licences
As of March 31, 2013, there were 2,317 liquor-primary licences in British Columbia. In order to
qualify for a liquor-primary licence, the businesss primary purpose must be liquor service,
entertainment or hospitality.
All establishments serving alcohol in British Columbia must choose between a liquor- or
food-primary licence. If a business decides to operate a liquor-primary business (e.g. pub, club
or bar), people under the age of 19 cannot enter, with limited exceptions. This can have the
unintended consequence of actually limiting the number of dining opportunities for families,
especially in rural communities where there may not be many options and alternatives.
@marquisWineCell: Years ago I was on Bowen Island & had to
get food to go from the pub as my children were not old enough
to sit inside
While I have recommended changes to allow for greater exibility with regard to kids in these
establishments, many will wish to maintain their current business model, and they should be
free to do so. LCLB will evaluate those who want to amend their licences.
@NVbigblackford: #bcliquor A very positive change would be
allowing families to eat at pubs before a certain hour as is done
in Alberta.
28
It is also worth noting that many establishments with a liquor-primary licence have invested
heavily in providing a pleasurable experience for their customers. They are justiably proud
of the food they serve, and the atmosphere in these facilities is often very similar to that in a
restaurant with a food-primary licence.
One of the laws I d like changed is the ability to bring minors into your
neighbourhood pub. Some pubs/tapas bars serve great food. Some have
live entertainment. It would be nice to be able to bring your children into
these establishments to have a bite to eat and/or listen to some music. I dont
know how many times my husband and I have been out for a drive with
our (underage teen) daughter and wished we could pop into our favourite
neighbourhood pub for a snack, but couldnt. Tese silly laws designating
what is an eating establishment, that serves alcohol, and allows minors, and
what is considered a pub or bar, although food is being served, need changing.
If you have a kitchen, and a menu you are a restaurant, regardless of alcohol
being sold.
J., Sept. 21
I own a rural pub, restaurant and lodge in rural BC. When we purchased,
almost six years ago we recognized the need to focus on food, and worked
to change our pub licence to a pub licence plus licensed family dining. We
complied with all the rules, restrictions, building requirements, etc. (no small
feat - we were one of the frst to transition), and, for a couple years now, have
been operating a pub and licensed restaurant in the same room, divided by a
raised platform (one short step up) and a four foot railing. As we operate the
pub and restaurant in the same room, adult entertainment restrictions were
placed on the pub licence.
When I applied for the licensing changes the process was extremely complex
and difficult. Te staf at Liquor Licensing were amazing, and knew they
were dealing with legislation and departmentalization in desperate need
of an overhaul. I saw numerous opportunities for simplifcation of the
bureaucratic process that would still comply with important issues
Te irony is, in my one room facility I now have much more feedom to serve
liquor in my licensed family restaurant than I do in my pub. Simply based on
where you are seated in my facility you may or may not be allowed alcohol
29
For me, the service of liquor is not the big concern. My alcohol sales have
dropped dramatically (in half) since we opened fve years ago, and it is rare
someone orders a drink before 11am. Te closing down of the pub seating for
one hour during breakfast service, is inconvenient, and fankly makes no sense.
It also illustrates the need to simplify and consolidate the licensing process so
that, minimally, the rules are being applied uniformly in the same room.
Robin, by email
Food-primary licences
There are some 5,600 food-primary liquor licences in British Columbia. Regulations state that
the business establishment must be focused on food service at all hours, when the liquor
licences are in play. However, not all customers want a meal especially those arriving later at
night and food-primary establishments can nd it challenging to remain compliant with the
regulation, and still serve their customers.
@WestEndCitizen: @John_Yap : Sometimes u wnt to stand
at a bar (not sit) and enjoy a quick drink after work, without
intention of buying food #bcliquor
Stop with the having to order food with a drink in any circumstance; what is
the reasoning behind it? Every time this has happened to me and my fiends
we are confused as to why, and then we order the cheapest thing on the menu.
At least a couple of times we didnt even eat the food because we just came fom
dinner elsewhere.
Andy, Oct. 3
Some establishments would like to switch from a food-primary to a liquor-primary licence
at a specic time to appeal to more customers. Currently, this is not allowed. There are also
restrictions around who can apply for a food-primary liquor licence. Only businesses that
want to operate primarily as a restaurant, caf or other food-related service can apply for a
food-primary licence. For example, a gallery is currently not allowed to open a caf with a
wine list on its premises.
Broadening the eligibility for liquor licences may attract more applicants, leading to new
venues and potentially, more alcohol consumption. I have looked closely at similar experience
in Ontario and anticipate that the number of applications will not increase dramatically in
British Columbia. Local governments and First Nations will continue to have input into the
application process for liquor-primary licences in their communities, and ultimately, LCLB will
assess all applications. It will not issue a licence if it believes it is contrary to the public interest.
30
@hed3393: @John_Yap Allow other business the opportunity
to be licensed. Cooking schools, wedding dress retailer etc.
#bcliquor
Earlier in this report, I recommend that the Serving it Right program be extended to all
hospitality industry workers serving alcohol. This would include, for the rst time, all servers in
British Columbias 5,600 licensed restaurants.
Recommendations:
The liquor-primary and food-primary licence classes for on-premise consumption should be
retained, with the following signicant changes:
34. Minors, if accompanied by a parent or guardian, should be permitted in
certain liquor-primary establishments.
o. Covetnment shoulJ estool|sh o teosonoole t|me (e.., unt|l 9 .m.} thot
tesects ooth the lom|lys cho|ce to |ncluJe m|nots |n some events onJ the
estool|shments tesons|o|l|ty to ensute on otot|ote env|tonment lot oll.
o. l|censees shoulJ cont|nue to hove the ot|on ol on oJult-only estool|shment.
c. lot those estool|shments thot cuttently oet om|n ot|ons, lCl8 shoulJ hove
the outhot|ty to otove ot Jeny whethet m|nots ote to oe olloweJ ooseJ on o
m|nots otent|ol occess to om|n. V|nots shoulJ not oe etm|tteJ |n cos|nos
ot commun|ty om|n centtes. As well, m|nots shoulJ not oe olloweJ |nto
estool|shments thot oet oJult entetto|nment.
35. The LCLB should clarify and modernize regulations with respect to food-
primary operations, including lounge and kitchen requirements.
36. Food-primary licensees should continue to focus on food service, with a full
menu available whenever liquor service is available. However, patrons should
not be obligated to or made to feel like they must order food if they do
not wish to eat.
37. Food-primary enterprises that wish to fully transition away from food service
after a certain hour (e.g., 9 p.m.) if, for example, they wanted to operate as a
nightclub will be able to apply for a licence endorsement, allowing them to
operate like a liquor-primary licence during those hours only.
o. V|nots woulJ not oe olloweJ |n the estool|shment oltet thot t|me.
o. 7o teect the otooch tolen on l|quot-t|moty l|cences, locol ovetnment onJ
tes|Jents shoulJ oe consulteJ os ott ol the otovol tocess.
38. Food- or liquor-primary licences should be available to other types of
businesses, allowing a range of new establishments (e.g., spas, cooking
schools, and galleries) to oer liquor to their clientele as an additional service.
31
Licence applications and the role of local
governments and First Nations
Local governments and First Nations have a signicant role in the licence-approval process in
their communities most critically for liquor-primary applications. The linear approval process
that is in place currently is very time-consuming.
Right now, when a business applies to LCLB for a food- or a liquor-primary licence, the LCLB
rst determines whether the applicant is eligible to hold a licence. For a liquor-primary licence,
the LCLB then prepares a report on the application and forwards it to the local government
or First Nation. They are asked to gather the views of residents who might be aected by the
proposed establishment and make a recommendation about whether the application should
be approved. Their comments are sent back to the LCLB, which then decides whether the
licence application can proceed to licensing. These linear processes are very time consuming,
often taking upwards of a year and/or longer to complete.
Provincial legislation prevents the applicant from speeding up the process by submitting
applications to LCLB and the local government or First Nation at the same time. B.C. is only
jurisdiction in Canada with such a process.
A second issue is that LCLB regulations determine what criteria local governments and First
Nations must use to evaluate whether the applicant meets community standards.
Recommendations:
39. Government should consult with UBCM, local governments and First Nations
about streamlining the liquor application process. An applicant for a liquor-
primary licence should be able to seek input from the local government or
First Nation before or at the same time it applies to LCLB.
40. The criteria used by local governments and First Nations to evaluate an
application from their community and then make a recommendation to LCLB
should be determined by the local government or First Nation. This respects
the role of local governments and First Nations in setting standards for
assessing liquor-licence applications in their communities.
41. The provincial government should amend legislation so local government
councils could, if they wish, give sta the authority to provide
recommendations on licence applications (e.g., licence amendments
involving a change in hours or capacity) directly to LCLB. This means
local government recommendations would not have to be endorsed by a
council resolution.
42. In the interest of customer service, First Nations, local and provincial
governments should identify target timelines to resolve all applications
related to liquor licensing.
V
i
g
n
e
t
t
e
:
32
Lido Theatre
7he l|Jo 7heotte |n lott 5t. 1ohn |s o closs|c.
8u|lt |n :p,), |ts stoty |s just l|le thot ol mony
olJ lm houses |n 8t|t|sh Columo|o set |n the
m|JJle ol town, |t wos oeloveJ, well-useJ onJ,
oll too olten, ooonJoneJ.
7he l|Jo, howevet, hoJ o chom|on
someone who hoJ o o| lon to tev|tol|ze
the olJ ou|lJ|n onJ tetutn |t to |ts loce os o
centtol ott ol the commun|tys l|le.
8t|on l|tschnet wos ot on 8os tocl oonJ
concett ot the locol cultutol centte. 7he mus|c
wos lontost|c, out l m|sseJ the exc|tement
onJ otmoshete ol o ttue concett. l hoJ o
v|s|on ol ouy|n the olJ l|Jo onJ ot|n|n
|t oocl w|th the motto: we con Jo thotl
Concetts, meet|ns, uol|c sem|nots, mov|es,
sott|n events, weJJ|ns, o|tthJoys, lunetols,
l|ve comeJy, Cht|stmos ott|es, toJ teun|ons
olmost onyth|n.
l|tschnet loceJ chollenes ty|col ol o smoll
ous|ness w|th o o| |Jeo. lt tool o wh|le to
nol|ze the utchose ol the ou|lJ|n, ooto|n
lunJs to oetote the ous|ness onJ then et
the otot|ote l|quot l|cence. le hoJ h|s
toolems, |ncluJ|n o ne onJ o susens|on.
7he h|losohy ol the l|Jo, unl|le oots,
uos, tovetns, etc., |s thot we ote only
oen touhly lout houts ot o t|me, onJ
when oen, the loce |s lleJ w|th oll
l|le-m|nJeJ eole, oecouse evetyone
who |s thete |s thete oecouse ol the event.
Out locus |s entetto|nment tst, l|quot
seconJ, l|tschnet exlo|neJ. 7|mes ote
chon|n onJ ous|nesses neeJ to evolve onJ
constontly chone to meet the neeJs ol the
eole you setve. l|quot l|cens|n |s o hue
ott ol thot. w|thout the oo|l|ty to sell l|quot,
the ous|ness woulJ not oe v|oole, out l|quot |s
not the t|moty locus ol my ous|ness.
7hese Joys, the l|Jo 7heotte |s o l|vely loce,
onJ thots ooJ news.
Almost evety smoll town |n 8.C. hos o lotmet
ot mot|nolly oetot|onol mov|e theotte.
Ownets moy wont to te|nvent the ous|ness.
7hey lnow they hove o teot venue, o loce
whete locol eole con othet, connect
onJ oe entetto|neJ.
w|th these tecommenJot|ons, we ote mov|n
owoy ltom the quest|on: Ate you setv|n
looJ, ot ote you setv|n oooze/ Now, the
onswet |s Ne|thet. wete setv|n eole.
33
Special Occasion Licences
The Government of British Columbia issues up to 25,000 SOLs every year. They include
everything from small weddings, club meetings and church banquets to sports tournaments,
music festivals and wine, beer and spirit competitions/festivals. The sheer volume and range
of events makes this a complex licence to apply for and a challenging process to manage.
The application process requires the applicant to visit a BC Liquor Store to initiate the
application process and to ultimately obtain the licence and purchase the liquor. Between
these steps, more than half of the SOL requests require the applicant to physically visit the
local RCMP or municipal police station to obtain police approval, even for repeat events and
low-risk family events. On occasion, the applicant must also visit local government or First
Nation offices. This is a time-consuming burden for all parties.
Regulations require that SOLs are only issued to not-for-profit groups. Promoters organizing
large public events usually nd a non-prot organization to apply for the licence. These
organizations are then responsible for holding the licence.
@jlongland: #bcliquor @John_Yap Please do-away with
separate drinking areas at public events. Forcing people into a
fenced area stigmatizes drinking.
SOLs for outdoor public events usually require alcohol consumption to be separated from the
main event (e.g., within a fenced-o beer garden). This can encourage over-consumption and
detract from the family-friendly atmosphere of a small-scale event.
Organizers wanting to serve spirits at a public event with an SOL must pay a $100 non-
refundable fee to apply for permission. Permission is rarely denied, and this fee is seen as an
unnecessary financial burden. In addition, when you look across the country, B.C. has fallen out
of line with other jurisdictions. For example, spirits are available at more public events in the
rest of Canada.
Other current challenges that I identied are around homemade and UBrew/UVin wine
and beer. Right now, they cannot be served at events with SOLs, and families cannot
present commemorative bottles of homemade wine to wedding guests, or make no-charge
homemade wine available at special events.
Finally, I think it is important to address events that happen over several days and several
venues (e.g., the Okanagan Wine Festival). Currently, they need a unique licence for every
event, and for each day, which adds to the administration and timelines for organizers, BC
Liquor Store employees and police without this process resulting in any noticeable benet to
public safety.
34
Recommendations:
Application process
43. Introduce online applications to simplify the process.
44. Government should create an annual SOL for organizations that hold
occasional meetings or activities throughout the year. Licence holders
could store unconsumed liquor for future events. The licence holder would
be required to ensure the safe transport and storage of unconsumed
liquor product.
45. Event organizers should be able to apply for a single SOL that covers multiple
events held over several days at several locations.
Role of police and local governments/First Nations
46. Consult with police and local governments and First Nations to nd
ways to streamline their role in approving small-capacity, time-limited
events (e.g., family wedding) that have little or no public safety risks for
their communities.
47. Police should continue to be informed of all upcoming SOL events in
their communities.
Licensing eligibility
48. Remove the regulation that requires non-prot organizations to apply for an
SOL for concerts and events. This will allow promoters who actually manage
the event, to be responsible to meet all requirements of the liquor licence.
49. Permit businesses to obtain SOLs to raise funds for charity.
50. Permit hobby brewers and vintners to apply for an SOL to host competition
events, allowing homemade beers and wines to be sampled by both judges
and the public.
Licensing terms and conditions
51. Except where it is not suitable from a public safety perspective, permit
whole-site licensing for public events, eliminating beer gardens.
52. Allow the sale of mixed-spirit drinks at public SOL events.
53. Allow hosts to serve UBrew/UVin or homemade beer or wine at SOL
events (e.g., weddings, family reunions).
35
Fenced in, blocked of beer tents are mocked by tourists and rightfully so. Tey
imply that the residents of B.C. are not to be trusted and need to be kept
penned up. I think if we adopted Washington State, Oregon or Quebec rules
of allowing public liquor at festivals we would all be pleasantly surprised. We
can be trusted, I promise.
Shane, Sept. 30
Clubs
If recommendations to change food- and liquor-primary licences are accepted, the current
club licence category may be unnecessary, as most of their special privileges will also be
available to other licence classes. I recommend consulting with these organizations about
eliminating the club designation completely and ensuring the updated food- or liquor-
primary licences will meet their needs.
Reclassication from the club licence will allow those clubs who wish to expand their food
service to cater o-site to apply for a caterers endorsement. As well, if a club wants to sub-
contract their own internal food service, this would be possible under a liquor-primary licence.
Currently, this privilege is not available to clubs.
Clubs should be able to maintain the option of limiting access to members and guests.
Recommendation:
54. Government should consult with clubs to determine if there is interest in
repealing the club designation, and reclassify the licence as food-primary
or liquor-primary.
I am a senior and a member of Legion Branch #57 here in Mission. We have
an excellent fiendly, peaceful group here, and it is a pleasure to meet together
with fiends over a meal or games activities.
Tough I do not drink alcoholic beverages myself, I would like to see the day
when I can take my family to a meal at our local Legion Hall.
For example, we have an excellent meal time and meat draws, etc. each
Friday evening. Last Friday, we were to have a chicken supper. My wife and I
wanted to treat my daughter and her husband, and our 8-year old grandson,
and introduce them to our fellowship and fiendsbut with the ruling
against minors being served in the Legion facilities, we could not bring them.
So I hope you will look at this issue favourably in the near future, so that we as
a family can enjoy the fellowship and meals at our Legion branch!
Allan, Oct. 1
36
Arenas, stadiums and event-driven facilities
Arenas, stadiums and event-driven facilities typically provide liquor as an extra to their
primary purpose, which is oering cultural and sporting activities for patrons. Minors are
generally permitted in these facilities unless there are reasons to either prohibit them or not
oer liquor while the minors are present.
Licensing these facilities and events poses a low risk to the community. I recommend that
the provincial government follow the lead of Alberta and establish a new licence class. This
would allow for a more streamlined application process and permit minors to attend (usually
without a time limit, as is being proposed for liquor-primary establishments). This would allow
some venues, especially those in smaller communities, to oer entertainment events to the
broader community.
Currently, stadiums are permitted to serve beer and wine to those in the general seating area,
and spirits to those in private boxes or premium seats. I recommend that stadiums be allowed
to serve the same liquors as licensed venues; that this selection be available to all patrons, no
matter where they are seated; and that patrons be able to buy alcohol in all public parts of
the stadium, including the concourse (the open space the public passes through en route to
washrooms, exits, etc.) and public seating areas.
Recommendations:
55. The provincial government should introduce a new licence class and
streamlined application process for facilities (e.g., stadiums, arenas and
theatres) that charge a fee for an event (e.g., a sporting event or play). Minors
should be permitted to stay until the event ends.
56. There should be more drink choices (e.g., mixed spirits) for consumers, as in
all other types of licensed establishments.
57. Liquor sales in arenas and stadiums should be permitted in all public areas.
As part of this, stadiums should have increased exibility to provide hawking
services to patrons in both the seated and concourse areas, and throughout
the scheduled event.
37
Liquor Distribution Branch
operations
The warehousing and movement of liquor in B.C.
is complex. Some products are delivered to
licensees and liquor stores by the manufacturers
themselves, while other products are more
directly controlled by the LDB. In addition to
LDBs own warehouses, there are privately owned
warehouses that hold liquor inventories until they
are ordered by licensees or the LDB. I believe there
are eciencies to be found in the system. The
proposed development of a new LDB warehouse
in Vancouver may also help streamline the process.
Recommendation:
58. LDB warehousing and distribution systems should be modernized
and streamlined. The wholesale ordering processes should be improved with
the goal of better and more ecient service to clients.
Flexibility and red tape reduction
As the industry grows and public expectations change, rules and regulations become an
impediment to improving service. The Liquor Policy Review is an opportunity to clean up
regulations that are onerous and irritating, and that interfere with a businesss ability to serve
the public. The following changes are designed to increase exibility with licences.
Recommendations:
Liquor samples
59. Any establishment that sells liquor should be able to provide samples in a
socially responsible manner.
Liquor storage
60. Permit licensees to store liquor in secure, o-site locations, subject to
notifying LCLB.
61. Individual establishments that are part of a larger company (e.g., chain
outlets) should be able to transfer small amounts of liquor between locations.
September 26, 2013 meeting
with the British Columbia
Government and Service
Employees Union (BCGEU)
V
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38
The Heid Out Brewhouse and Restaurant,
and Fisher Peak Brewing Company
le|J| kom|ch |s o looe-ttott|n looJ-lovet
w|th Jee toots |n the lootenoys. 8otn onJ
to|seJ |n Ctonotool, she stuJ|eJ lntetnot|onol
7out|sm Vonoement |n Austt|o onJ wotleJ
|n the 8ohomos, Voloys|o onJ Atent|no.
No one shoulJ hove oeen sutt|seJ when,
oocl |n Ctonotool, she oeneJ het own
testoutont leotut|n on Austt|on/Cetmon/
Atent|neon/5outheost As|on/
lootenoy menu. le|J|s kestoutont wos o
lom|ly oo|t, onJ kom|chs Jouhtet, Votl|es,
wotleJ het woy thtouh the lom|ly ous|ness,
stott|n w|th ous|n tooles.
Altet :, yeots |n the ous|ness, kom|ch onJ het
Jouhtet Jec|JeJ to tole o leo ol lo|th onJ
oen 7he le|J Out, o otewuo, testoutont
onJ otewety lot outs|Je soles. An exet|enceJ
ous|nesswomon, kom|ch hos o| Jteoms lot
het new oetot|on.
Vy Jteom ot lutute v|s|on |s to cteote on
env|tonment whete oll enetot|ons con
soc|ol|ze onJ leel comlottoole, whete ltesh,
cteot|ve, locol looJ |s setveJ, outstonJ|n
oeets ote oteweJ onJ setveJ, onJ the setv|ce
exceeJs uests exectot|ons. we hove qu|te
o joutney to teol|ze th|s v|s|on out Votl|es onJ
l ote exc|teJ onJ ot|m|st|c lot the lututel
l om olso ot|m|st|c onJ l oel|eve thot
tecommenJot|ons |n the kev|ew w|ll mole |t
eos|et lot these ous|nesswomen onJ othets
l|le them to lull|ll the|t Jteom.
7h|s hos oeen o testoutont lot o lon t|me,
onJ mol|n the l|quot l|cences mote ex|ole
w|ll hel le|J|s ous|ness to tow. As they
wete Jevelo|n the|t ous|ness lon, they ton
|nto some o| chollenes otounJ l|cens|n.
7he oetot|on |s on two levels ot stteet
level, onJ o oosement level w|th soce
lot uol|c events. ll they wonteJ to hove o
lom|ly-lt|enJly, uol|c event thot wos oen
lot m|nots, the youn eole woulJ not
oe olloweJ to entet thtouh the ltont Joot,
woll :o leet thtouh the uo, onJ o |nto
the lowet level. 7hey woulJ hove hoJ to woll
Jown the oocl olley, |n the oocl Joot onJ
thtouh the l|tchen oll so they coulJ ovo|J
oe|n |n the l|quot-t|moty tem|ses lot
o lew seconJs.
7hot |s cleotly o toolem.
7he new teulot|ons otounJ ollow|n m|nots
|n l|censeJ oteos when |ts otot|ote
meon le|J| kom|ch onJ het Jouhtet con
tow onJ exonJ th|s ous|ness |n o woy thot
moles sense os o ous|ness lon onJ os on
otttoct|on |n Jowntown Ctonotool.
39
Temporary licence extensions
62. Provide a more streamlined and time-sensitive application process to allow
facilities such as ski hills and golf courses to temporarily extend their licensed
area to another part of the property (e.g., a patio near a ski-hill gondola lift or
a temporary patio near a golf clubhouse).
Movement within establishments
63. Permit patrons to carry liquor between adjoining licensed
establishments (e.g., from the pub to the adjoining restaurant).
64. Allow hotel and resort patrons to carry liquor throughout designated areas
of the hotel (e.g., carrying a glass of wine presented at check-in to the
hotel room).
65. Extend the hours that patrons can receive liquor through room service.
Better use of space
66. Allow liquor-primary establishments to oer more liquor-free events for
all-ages (e.g., music concerts).
67. Allow multi-use buildings (e.g., community centres) to use licensed space for
non-alcohol related purposes.
UBrews, UVins and growlers
68. Allow private and public retail liquor stores to sell growlers (rellable bottles)
and operate refilling stations.
69. Change the regulations allowing UBrew/UVin members to change their
name to Ferment-On-Premise (FOP) to be consistent with federal legislation.
Establishments can continue to call themselves UBrews/UVins if they choose.
Business ownership
70. Permit the owners and family members of UBrews and UVins to own other
liquor-related establishments.
71. Remove or streamline the requirement that changes in corporate share
ownership must be reported to LCLB, provided no new shareholders
are added.
40
Change Management
These recommendations, when taken in total, represent signicant changes to both the
regulatory and policy framework and to business practices in the liquor industry generally.
Recommendations:
72. To make the required adjustment, the Ministry of Justice should develop
an eective change management plan, which should include training
and professional development for sta and consideration of appropriate
LCLB resources.
73. Ensure that these recommendations, when taken in total, represent a
signicant reduction in red tape for businesses in the liquor industry in B.C.,
to support economic development.
41
The Last Word
You may have heard me say in media interviews that everyone has an opinion on liquor. To
take that one step further, I can say with absolute certainty that nding any majority with
the same opinion on any one issue related to liquor is almost impossible. My job over the
last three months was to listen. Listen to what British Columbians were saying on the website
about needing more convenience, to what the health and safety advocates were telling me in
our meetings about how critical it is to nd a balance and to what changes the industry needs
to continue growing and thriving, bringing good jobs to our province.
@SandraOldfield: Final wish list @John_Yap #BCLiquor
#charityauction #promotelocal #farmersmarket
#secondtastingroomlicense #lessredtape
#pleaseandthankyou
Not only did I listen, but I can assure you I heard every one of these points the majority of
which are valid arguments and all of which were delivered with a passion that can only be
achieved when people care about the outcome.
I have worked hard to put together a suite of recommendations that strike the balance
between increasing convenience of liquor products and improving health and safety, all while
protecting government revenue and a critical, burgeoning industry in our province.
This meant recommending happy hours but balancing that with a minimum drink price. It
meant recommending a grocery model of liquor retail while maintaining the moratorium
on liquor licensees. It meant updating and expanding the Serving it Right program while
making recommendations to streamline licence approvals for restaurants, pubs, bars and
special occasions.
@stevethelocal: Thanks. Interesting mash up of ideas. Would
not want to have to please all the people all the time. #bcliquor
It has been over two decades since a review of B.C.s liquor policies asked you what you
thought, what you wanted. Our society has come a long way from even Expo 86 the year
imported beers were rst introduced in British Columbia and our licensed establishments
were rst able to open on Sundays.
I believe that together, these 73 recommendations will match B.C.s liquor regime with
the expectations that stakeholders, industry and the public have for a 21
st
century society.
Should Cabinet decide to accept these changes, I would hope that, to the greatest extent
possible, they are implemented with as seamless a transition as possible for consumers and
businesses; ideally, this will be done without businesses needing to apply to take advantage of
these changes.
42
To those of you who participated in the Review, thank you this could not have been
achieved without your thoughtful ideas, your concrete advice and your willingness for
constructive debate.
John Yap
Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
and Minister of Justice for Liquor Policy Reform
43
Recommendation Summary
Health, safety and social responsibility
1. Government should expand public education about health and safety risks
related to alcohol use, with particular emphasis on the harmful eects of binge
drinking by youth and post-secondary students.
2. Government should identify all of its alcohol-related education initiatives to
ensure they are focused and are as eective as possible.
3. Easily understood information about Canadas Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
should be made available to consumers in licensed establishments.
4. The Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) should have the regulatory
authority to require social responsibility public education material to be posted
in all licensed establishments and liquor stores. These materials should be
developed in consultation with industry.
5. Government, public health ocials and industry should collaborate to develop
eective and meaningful social responsibility educational campaigns for
display in licensed establishments, liquor stores and advertising and public
service campaigns.
6. While labelling liquor bottles and packages is the responsibility of the federal
government, B.C. should work with the other provinces and territories to
encourage warning labels on liquor products.
7. Serving it Right (SIR), the provincial governments responsible beverage service
program, should be expanded and enhanced:
o. 5oles onJ setv|ce sto |n testoutonts, w|ne stotes, tutol oency stotes onJ 8C
l|quot 5totes who ote not olteoJy tequ|teJ to hove 5lk cett|cot|on shoulJ now
oe tequ|teJ to ooto|n |t. l|censees, monoets, onJ soles onJ setv|n sto shoulJ
olso oe tequ|teJ to tecett|ly.
o. A locuseJ, oot|JeJ onJ less exens|ve vets|on ol 5lk shoulJ oe JeveloeJ lot
eole who tece|ve 5ec|ol Occos|on l|cences (5Ols} ot who setve ot these events.
7h|s w|ll hel ensute they unJetstonJ the|t tesons|o|l|t|es otounJ tesons|ole
honJl|n ol l|quot.
c. 5lk content shoulJ oe uJoteJ to |ncluJe |nlotmot|on ooout:
|. ConoJos low-t|sl Jt|nl|n u|Jel|nes.
||. the soc|ol onJ heolth costs ol olcohol.
|||. why olcohol |s teuloteJ.
J. 5lk shoulJ cont|nue to osl tecent toJuotes to evoluote the totom, w|th the
o|m ol Jevelo|n onJ |nttoJuc|n |mtovements.
44
8. The fee structure of SIR should be reviewed by the provider and government
to ensure the cost to retailers and establishments is not onerous. Additionally,
consideration should be given to the application of fee revenue to SIR
program enhancements.
9. LCLB should develop an in-person educational program for licensees, like that in
Ontario, to educate licensees and their sta about the Provinces liquor laws and
how to operate their establishments in a responsible manner. The goal would
be to increase licensee compliance and develop an increasing awareness of the
health and safety harms from alcohol abuse. Government should consider using
monetary penalties imposed on licensees to fund this initiative.
10. Government should encourage police to use the enforcement tools of ticketing
and nes more frequently for those people under 19 years of age who are
caught possessing liquor, using false identication or being in restricted
premises selling liquor. Liquor retailers and the public should also be made
more aware of the severity of these penalties.
11. Government should review enforcement penalties of LCLB and other
jurisdictions to ensure that B.C.s penalty levels are appropriate.
12. Due to the varying size and focus of licensed establishments, consideration
should be given to how dierent types of penalties (e.g., a suspension versus a
monetary penalty) may impact a licensee and staff.
13. LCLB should work with police agencies to explore implementing last drink
programs across B.C. on a more concerted basis. If an impaired persons last
drink was in a licensed establishment, LCLB can investigate and possibly levy
penalties for overserving clients.
14. LCLB should have the authority to regulate the home delivery of alcohol and
should consider that home delivery service providers require SIR certification.
15. Applicants and licensees seeking a review of LCLB decisions should have access
to a new and separate decision-making body outside the licensing branch. The
Ministry of Justice should review current processes and determine how best to
provide independent decision-making for those seeking appeal.
16. Permit licensees to oer time-limited drink specials (e.g., happy hours), provided
the price is not below a prescribed minimum consistent with those advocated
by health advocates.
17. LDB should review its minimum pricing policy as it applies to all categories of
liquor so that minimum prices are set at an appropriate level.
45
18. LDB should consider tying minimum prices to the amount of alcohol (e.g., a beer
with seven per cent alcohol would have a higher minimum price than a beer
with four per cent alcohol).
Retail and convenience
19. The Province should develop and implement a retail model that meets
consumer demands for more convenience by permitting the sale of liquor in
grocery stores. Government should continue to restrict the total number of retail
outlets and require separation of grocery products and liquor. This reects the
views of health and safety advocates and the acknowledged safety benets of
restricting minors access to liquor.
20. Introducing liquor in grocery stores should be phased in, giving public and
private liquor stores time to adjust to the new retail model.
21. In consultation with industry, government should develop a policy that
standardizes the types of non-liquor products that can be sold in liquor
retail outlets.
22. As a grocery model is developed, government should look at consistency in
operating hours for licensed, rural agency and manufacturer retail stores.
23. LDB should improve its marketing of B.C. liquor products in stores, developing
new opportunities for product placement and innovative promotional and
educational materials.
24. Government should work with industry and tourism associations to develop
promotional materials such as maps, apps and brochures on B.C. wineries,
breweries and distilleries.
25. Government should work with other Canadian wine-producing jurisdictions to
jointly develop thematic wine promotions in each jurisdictions liquor stores to
promote Canadian wine.
26. Government should discuss establishing a quality assurance program for B.C.
craft beer and artisan-distilled spirits (similar to the VQA wine program).
27. Manufacturers should be able to establish low-risk tasting venues such as a
picnic area as part of their existing licence without the need to apply for a
specific endorsement. Government should work with industry, local government
and First Nations to increase exibility for tasting options for manufacturers
while being sensitive to potential negative impacts, such as noise, on
the community.
46
28. Allow manufacturers to oer patrons liquor that was not produced on site (e.g., a
winery could sell a beer to a visitor).
29. Government should consult with the Agricultural Land Commission about
amending the Agricultural Land Commission Act regulations to allow
manufacturers operating within the Agricultural Land Reserve to allow more
people in consumption areas (e.g. lounges) and to sell liquor that was not
produced on site.
30. Government should consult with industry and review the minimum
requirements to obtain a brewery, winery or distillery licence. Government
should also consider how these requirements are regulated by LCLB and LDB to
ensure transparency and an eective regulatory system.
31. Government should permit B.C. liquor manufacturers to oer products for
sample and sale at temporary o-site retail locations (e.g., farmers markets),
with appropriate conditions. The decision about whether to allow vintners,
brewers and distillers to showcase their products at a particular location will be
left to the location management (e.g., farmers market association).
32. Allow patrons to buy bottles of liquor to take home that are showcased at
festivals or competitions. Consider amending SOLs issued to festivals and
competitions, or allow BC Liquor or private retail stores to operate a temporary
store on site as the means to provide for these sales.
33. Allow manufacturers to have o-site locations where they can sample and sell
their products to the public (e.g., permanent tasting rooms in a downtown store).
Licensing and cutting red tape
34. Minors, if accompanied by a parent or guardian, should be permitted in certain
liquor-primary establishments.
o. Covetnment shoulJ estool|sh o teosonoole t|me (e.., unt|l 9 .m.} thot
tesects ooth the lom|lys cho|ce to |ncluJe m|nots |n some events onJ the
estool|shments tesons|o|l|ty to ensute on otot|ote env|tonment lot oll.
o. l|censees shoulJ cont|nue to hove the ot|on ol on oJult-only estool|shment.
c. lot those estool|shments thot cuttently oet om|n ot|ons, lCl8 shoulJ hove
the outhot|ty to otove ot Jeny whethet m|nots ote to oe olloweJ ooseJ on o
m|nots otent|ol occess to om|n. V|nots shoulJ not oe etm|tteJ |n cos|nos
ot commun|ty om|n centtes. As well, m|nots shoulJ not oe olloweJ |nto
estool|shments thot oet oJult entetto|nment.
47
35. The LCLB should clarify and modernize regulations with respect to food-primary
operations, including lounge and kitchen requirements.
36. Food-primary licensees should continue to focus on food service, with a full
menu available whenever liquor service is available. However, patrons should
not be obligated to or made to feel like they must order food if they do not
wish to eat.
37. Food-primary enterprises that wish to fully transition away from food service
after a certain hour (e.g., 9 p.m.) if, for example, they wanted to operate as a
nightclub will be able to apply for a licence endorsement, allowing them to
operate like a liquor-primary licence during those hours only.
o. V|nots woulJ not oe olloweJ |n the estool|shment oltet thot t|me.
o. 7o teect the otooch tolen on l|quot-t|moty l|cences, locol ovetnment onJ
tes|Jents shoulJ oe consulteJ os ott ol the otovol tocess.
38. Food- or liquor-primary licences should be available to other types of businesses,
allowing a range of new establishments (e.g., spas, cooking schools, and
galleries) to oer liquor to their clientele as an additional service.
39. Government should consult with UBCM, local governments and First Nations
about streamlining the liquor application process. An applicant for a liquor-
primary licence should be able to seek input from the local government or First
Nation before or at the same time it applies to LCLB.
40. The criteria used by local governments and First Nations to evaluate an
application from their community and then make a recommendation to LCLB
should be determined by the local government or First Nation. This respects the
role of local governments and First Nations in setting standards for assessing
liquor-licence applications in their communities.
41. The provincial government should amend legislation so local government
councils could, if they wish, give sta the authority to provide recommendations
on licence applications (e.g., licence amendments involving a change in hours
or capacity) directly to LCLB. This means local government recommendations
would not have to be endorsed by a council resolution.
42. In the interest of customer service, First Nations, local and provincial
governments should identify target timelines to resolve all applications related
to liquor licensing.
43. Introduce online applications to simplify the process.
48
44. Government should create an annual SOL for organizations that hold occasional
meetings or activities throughout the year. Licence holders could store
unconsumed liquor for future events. The licence holder would be required to
ensure the safe transport and storage of unconsumed liquor product.
45. Event organizers should be able to apply for a single SOL that covers multiple
events held over several days at several locations.
46. Consult with police and local governments and First Nations to nd ways to
streamline their role in approving small-capacity, time-limited events (e.g.,
family wedding) that have little or no public safety risks for their communities.
47. Police should continue to be informed of all upcoming SOL events in
their communities.
48. Remove the regulation that requires non-prot organizations to apply for an
SOL for concerts and events. This will allow promoters who actually manage the
event, to be responsible to meet all requirements of the liquor licence.
49. Permit businesses to obtain SOLs to raise funds for charity.
50. Permit hobby brewers and vintners to apply for an SOL to host competition
events, allowing homemade beers and wines to be sampled by both judges and
the public.
51. Except where it is not suitable from a public safety perspective, permit whole-
site licensing for public events, eliminating beer gardens.
52. Allow the sale of mixed-spirit drinks at public SOL events.
53. Allow hosts to serve UBrew/UVin or homemade beer or wine at SOL events (e.g.,
weddings, family reunions).
54. Government should consult with clubs to determine if there is interest in
repealing the club designation, and reclassify the licence as food-primary
or liquor-primary.
55. The provincial government should introduce a new licence class and streamlined
application process for facilities (e.g., stadiums, arenas and theatres) that charge
a fee for an event (e.g., a sporting event or play). Minors should be permitted to
stay until the event ends.
56. There should be more drink choices (e.g., mixed spirits) for consumers, as in all
other types of licensed establishments.
49
57. Liquor sales in arenas and stadiums should be permitted in all public areas.
As part of this, stadiums should have increased exibility to provide hawking
services to patrons in both the seated and concourse areas, and throughout the
scheduled event.
58. LDB warehousing and distribution systems should be modernized
and streamlined. The wholesale ordering processes should be improved with
the goal of better and more ecient service to clients.
59. Any establishment that sells liquor should be able to provide samples in a
socially responsible manner.
60. Permit licensees to store liquor in secure, o-site locations, subject to
notifying LCLB.
61. Individual establishments that are part of a larger company (e.g., chain outlets)
should be able to transfer small amounts of liquor between locations.
62. Provide a more streamlined and time-sensitive application process to allow
facilities such as ski hills and golf courses to temporarily extend their licensed
area to another part of the property (e.g., a patio near a ski-hill gondola lift or a
temporary patio near a golf clubhouse).
63. Permit patrons to carry liquor between adjoining licensed establishments (e.g.,
from the pub to the adjoining restaurant).
64. Allow hotel and resort patrons to carry liquor throughout designated areas of
the hotel (e.g., carrying a glass of wine presented at check-in to the hotel room).
65. Extend the hours that patrons can receive liquor through room service.
66. Allow liquor-primary establishments to oer more liquor-free events for
all-ages (e.g., music concerts).
67. Allow multi-use buildings (e.g., community centres) to use licensed space for
non-alcohol related purposes.
68. Allow private and public retail liquor stores to sell growlers (rellable bottles)
and operate refilling stations.
69. Change the regulations allowing UBrew/UVin members to change their
name to Ferment-On-Premise (FOP) to be consistent with federal legislation.
Establishments can continue to call themselves UBrews/UVins if they choose.
70. Permit the owners and family members of UBrews and UVins to own other
liquor-related establishments.
50
71. Remove or streamline the requirement that changes in corporate share
ownership must be reported to LCLB, provided no new shareholders are added.
Change management
72. To make the required adjustment, the Ministry of Justice should develop
an eective change management plan, which should include training
and professional development for sta and consideration of appropriate
LCLB resources.
73. Ensure that these recommendations, when taken in total, represent a signicant
reduction in red tape for businesses in the liquor industry in B.C., to support
economic development.
October 1, 2013
meeting with the BC
Restaurant and Food
Services Association
October 23, 2013
meeting with the
Thompson Okanagan
Tourism Association
51
Appendix A:
List of stakeholder meetings
Nov. 4: Tsow Tun Lelum Treatment
Centre/ FN Health Authority
Oct. 31: Donnelly Group
Oct.31: 7-11 Convenience Stores
Oct. 31: Container World Facility Tour
Oct. 31: Loblaw
Oct. 31: Costco Wholesale
Oct. 30: The Heid Out, Kimberley and District
Chamber of Commerce, City of
Cranbrook, Great Canadian Liquor
Warehouse, Kimberley Alpine Resort
Oct. 30: Fernie Brewing, Columbia Valley Chamber
of Commerce, BC Hotel Association,
Radium Hot Springs, Boston Pizza
Oct. 28: Naramata Bench Winery Association
Oct. 28: BC Estate Winery
Oct. 26: Courtenay Royal Canadian Legion, CV
Monarch Lions Club and Evergreen Seniors Club
Oct. 24: Victoria Spirits
Oct. 24: Longtable Distillery
Oct. 24: Atomique Events
Oct. 23: Artisan Distillers Guild
Oct. 23: Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Oct. 23: Canada West Ski Areas Association
Oct. 22: Everything Wine
Oct. 21: Families for Justice
Oct. 21: Canadas National Brewers
Oct. 21: Joey Restaurant Group
Oct. 19: Vancouver Police Department
Oct. 17: Container World Forwarding Services Inc.
Oct. 17: Mark Anthony Brands
Oct. 17: Private Liquor Store Association
Oct. 17: Provincial Health Ocer
Oct. 16: RCMP, Prince George Detachment
Oct. 16: Northern Health
Oct. 16: Fermenters Guild of BC
Oct. 16: Prince George Mayor and Regional
District of Fraser-Fort George
Oct. 11: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Oct. 11: Molson Coors
Oct. 11: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
Oct. 10: Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Oct. 10: Pacic Western Brewing Company
Oct. 2: BC Hotel Association
Oct. 2: Alliance of Beverage Licensees
Oct. 2: Herb LeRoy - Honorary BC Wine Envoy
Oct. 2: Rogers Arena/Vancouver Canucks
Oct. 2: Import Vintners and Spirits Association
Oct. 1: Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
Oct. 1: BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
Oct. 1: BC Chamber of Commerce
Oct. 1: Constellation Brands
Sept. 30: Association of Canadian Distillers
Sept. 30: BC Craft Brewers Guild
Sept. 30: Modernize Wine Association of BC
Sept. 26: Liquor Consultants
Sept. 26: B.C. Government and Service Employees Union
Sept. 25: Rural Agency Store Advisory Agency
Sept. 25: BC Healthy Living Alliance
Sept. 25: Union of BC Municipalities
Sept. 24: Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA)
Sept. 24: Cactus Club Restaurants
Sept. 24: Earls Restaurants
Sept. 23: Canadian Restaurant and
Foodservices Association
Sept. 19: BC Association of Chiefs of Police
Sept. 19: Campaign for Culture
Sept. 17: MADD Canada
Sept. 16: Health Ocers Council of BC
Sept. 11: Centre for Addictions Research of BC
Sept. 11: Royal Canadian Legion
Sept. 11: Victoria Police Department
Sept. 11: B.C. Wine Institute
Sept. 10: Wine Islands Vintners Association
Sept. 9: Island Health
53
Appendix B:
Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for the Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Policy Review
Background
Government regulates liquor in order to balance economic and social interests with the need
to ensure public safety and the public interest.
From time to time, government reviews liquor policy to ensure that liquor policies reect
societal values and business needs as they change over time. Many liquor industry
associations, local governments, citizens and interest groups have expressed interest in a
liquor review and in modernizing B.C.s liquor laws. There has not been a comprehensive
policy review of liquor since 1999.
Purpose
On June 7, 2013, government announced that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney
General and Minister of Justice for Liquor Policy Reform would lead the stakeholder
consultations on modernizing B.C.s antiquated liquor laws and recommend improvements to
the minister to take to Cabinet.
This comprehensive review should consider all aspects of liquor policy including licensing,
control, and LDB distribution, and must provide recommendations that:
Create a licensing system that responds to emerging marketplace
realities and reects current lifestyles and societal values.
Provide exibility for businesses and remove operational barriers
to help grow the economy, while protecting public safety.
Recognize the importance of jobs and investment in the hospitality,
tourism and agrifoods sectors, in support of the BC Jobs Plan.
Ensure there is a sustainable liquor manufacturing sector.
Provide for an ecient and eective liquor distribution system.
Governance of the Liquor Distribution Branch is out of scope of the review.
Guiding Principles
Recommendations must:
Ensure that government revenue is maintained or increased.
Minimize health and social harms caused by liquor.
Balance economic and social interests by ensuring public safety and the
public interest of British Columbians and their communities is protected.
54
Be evidence-based and transparent.
Respect obligations under collective agreements and
international and interprovincial trade agreements.
Your goals and tasks include:
1. Developing a consultation model and approach that is able to meet the
objectives above. The consultation approach must:
Include opportunities for the public to provide input.
Incorporate methods to build transparency into the process.
2. Leading consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives
from industry, local government and First Nations organizations, police, health and
social policy associations. Consultations should be completed by Oct. 31, 2013.
3. Producing a report by Nov. 25, 2013, for Attorney General and Minister of Justices
consideration that she may take to Cabinet. The report must include the following:
Results from the stakeholder consultation.
Identication of potential opportunities and challenges.
Recommendations for liquor reform.
Reporting
You will report to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Support
The budget for the review will be provided by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
You will work through the deputy minister, Corporate Initiatives, and the assistant deputy
ministers of the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and the Liquor Distribution Branch,
to ensure resource requirements consistent with the work plan are met. This may include
obtaining policy support from Liquor Control and Licensing Branch and Liquor Distribution
Branch policy divisions or other resources as needed.

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